San Jose: Motorcyclist dies in crash on Highway 101

SAN JOSE -- A motorcyclist who died early Saturday morning in a three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 101 has been identified as Larry Cotten, 32, of San Jose, according to the Santa Clara Coroner's office.

Cotten appeared to be speeding when he apparently collided with the back of a car during a three-vehicle collision, the California Highway Patrol said. Officers found Cotten in the northbound direction at the Brokaw Road exit at 12:20 a.m., according to CHP Officer Ross Lee.

Moments earlier, according to Lee, the motorcycle sped by officers near Old Oakland Road. Those officers then came across the motorcyclist in the far left lane, as well as debris from the crash. The man was struck by a car before the officers could reach him to provide aid. Emergency personnel took him to Valley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, the CHP said.

A woman passenger on the motorcycle survived the crash with moderate injuries and was hospitalized at San Jose Regional Medical Center.

The CHP said it appears the motorcycle ran into a Nissan. The driver of that car, a Cupertino resident,was not injured, nor was the Pleasant Hill resident driving the Ford Mustang that appeared to strike the motorcyclist. Those drivers both stopped and cooperated with the CHP.

Investigators have not determined whether the motorcyclist was driving under the influence. Four lanes on U.S. 101 were closed for approximately 90 minutes.